MORE THAN PROMISES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 August 1941, Page 6

MORE THAN PROMISES

REQUIRED FROM THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT

• Britain's Main Immediate Objectives , Secured THE SHAH’S REPORTED ATTITUDE READINESS TO COMPLY WITH ALLIED WISHES (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.35 a.m.) RUGBY, August 27. British military operations in Iran are proceeding according to plan and the main immediate objectives have been secured. Meanwhile, in London, matters raised in yesterday s .conversations between the British Minister in Teheran and the Shah continue to engage attention. Reports from the Iranian capital state that the Shah is now displaying a readiness to comply with British wishes regarding the removal of German nationals, who, owing to the positions they occupy, constitute a potential menace to Allied interests. If the latest repoibS aie well founded, and now that formidable Allied forces are in a position to ensure that Iran shall not fall a prey to Geiman machinations, it is obvious that something more than promises will be required. Performance and tangible guarantees must inevitably be forthcoming. Britain has not lightly undertaken the measures she is new carrying out and they will be pursued until their purpose is fully achieved. COUNTRY STRIPPED OF FOOD. Tempted by the favourable credit terms which the Germans offered, the Iranian Government sold for export virtually the whole year’s grain harvest, as well as stocks-of tea and sugar, with a complete disregard for the needs of the Iranian people. Already there is much destitution. Food riots have taken place in Shiraz, Ispahan, Yezd, Kerman and Hamad an, and even in the capital there is a serious shortage and discontent is rife. It is estimated that in the oil areas in the south-west, existing supplies will suffice for the barest needs of the civil population only until September 15. In view of this extraordinary state of affairs, orders have been given to the general officer commanding the British troops to import at once into areas occupied by"the British 650 tons of wheat from Iraq. This, which represents something like a month’s supply, will meet initial requirements and will in due course be supplemented by further consignments from India.